THE history of North Weald airfield and those who served there during the war years could be rememberd as part of celebrations in the village to mark the London 2012 Olympics.

While the Games are still four years away, the parish council has already had talks with the district council over how the occasion could be marked.

Suggestions include a symbolic bonding with countries which flew from the airfield over the last 70 years, and a parish council civic event during the next Olympic year.

The parish council has also put forward a suggestion that the district council may wish to consider providing grant funding for parish and town council which want to celebrate the occasion.

North Weald Parish Council clerk Sue De Luca said: “The Olympics 2012 is about people of all nations bonding together at one place where symbolically conflict and politics are put aside. Here in North Weald we have our historic airfield which is the centre of the parish of North Weald, Thornwood Common and Hastingwood, and which became home for young people from more than six different nations who were welcomed into the community in a time of great conflict, thus resulting in a bonding that continues to this day, and which was carried on at the last Scout Jamboree with young people from all nations of the world congregating at the airfield.”

She added: “The airfield reflect the district’s history and the growth of the local community which has links with seven of the countries expected to attend the Olympics 2012.

“We are encouraged by statements made by members of Epping Forest District Council of their wish that the district’s community as a whole take the opportunity that the Olympics will give to bond with similar communities from those countries who are expected to attend.”